NASCAR: Silly Season for 2009

Source: NASCAR.comHere's an update on cars, drivers, teams and sponsors for the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup series. Mark MartinTeam: Hendrick MotorsportsSponsor: TBAManufacturer: ChevroletTeam owner Rick Hendrick and veteran driver Martin, 49, announced a multi-year deal that places Martin in Hendrick Motorsports' No. 5 Chevrolet. Casey MearsTeam: Richard Childress RacingSponsor: Jack Daniel'sManufacturer: ChevroletAs expected, Mears was named the fourth driver of the growing RCR stable. Beginning in 2009, Mears will drive the No. 07 car sponsored by Jack Daniel's. Aric AlmirolaTeam: Dale Earnhardt Inc.Sponsor: TBAManufacturer: ChevroletDEI officials confirm that Almirola will drive the No. 8 Chevrolet in all 36 races in 2009. Almirola finished eighth at Bristol in his DEI debut, which apparently accelerated discussions with the team about his immediate future. David StremmeTeam: Penske RacingSponsor: AlltelManufacturer: DodgeStremme is no longer just the Cup test driver, but Penske Racing's driver for the No. 12 Dodge in 2009. Tony StewartTeam: Stewart-Haas RacingSponsor: Old Spice, Office DepotManufacturer: ChevroletStewart is purchasing what is believed to be a 50 percent stake in Haas CNC Racing and will drive for the team in 2009. Greg BiffleTeam: Roush Fenway RacingSponsor: 3MManufacturer: FordBiffle announced that he will drive the No. 16 Ford through 2011, with 3M continuing as his sponsor. Joey LoganoTeam: Joe Gibbs RacingSponsor: Home DepotManufacturer: ToyotaThere were no surprises at Joe Gibbs Racing, where the green flag was dropped on Joey Logano's Sprint Cup career. Clint BowyerTeam: Richard Childress RacingSponsor: General MillsManufacturer: ChevroletBowyer will move to RCR's No. 33 in 2009, technically the team's new fourth car -- but without the No. 07 owner points. Ryan NewmanTeam: Stewart-Haas RacingSponsor: TBAManufacturer: ChevroletStewart plans to build his new team into one that can win races and championships sooner than later. Signing Newman is a step in that direction. Bobby LabonteTeam: Petty EnterprisesSponsor: TBAManufacturer: DodgeAt the same time Petty Enterprises had entered into a partnership with private equity firm Boston Ventures, it was announced that Labonte had reached a four-year extension.